Check valves are essential components of pipelines and fluid control systems to prevent flow reversal and guard pipelines. These aspects make them preferable in cases when space, weight, and potentially restricted flow are considered critical parameters. Due to their benefits, wafer check valves are suitable for several industrial applications. This article describes what a wafer check valve is, how it works, and in which industries it may be successfully implemented.
Benefits of the Wafer Check Valves
These valves contain different characteristics and advantages.
A unique feature of wafer check valves is their small dimensions. These unique types of valves are installed in the pipeline between two flanges. This 'sandwiched' installation design is friendly to space and does not add much to the weight of the piping design.
Consequently, wafer check valves are lighter in weight and more effective. They are also cheaper and require less effort to install than conventional swing check valves. Lightness and easy application are two more advantages where compact equipment is more appropriate.
When these valves are used, there is also a reduced water hammer effect. A water hammer is a pressure surge that happens when the fluid flow is shut off or varied. This phenomenon often results in pipe and other system damage.
The disc of a wafer check valve shuts very fast to reduce much of the force impact and water hammer pressure. Thus, the water hammer pressure becomes safe in a system with fluctuating fluid flow.
Design and Materials of Wafer Check Valves
These come in different types and conform to ASME, API, DIN, JIS, BS, AS, and ISO standards for global use. Variations include standard wafers, lugs, double-flanged, and extended bodies, which have unique applications in fluid handling systems.
The primary body materials include cast iron, ductile iron, WCB cast steel, and 316 stainless steel to prevent wear and corrosion. Furthermore, the seats of the wafer check valves include EPDM, Buna-N, Neoprene, refrigeration-grade elastomer, and Viton for efficient sealing and high reliability in various circumstances. Some of the most adopted end connections of these valves are raised face, plain face, ring joint, weld-end, and hub-end, further increasing versatility.
Uses of a Wafer Check Valve
These types of valves prevent backflow and are prevalent in various industries. Some of their uses are in pump discharge lines, heating and cooling systems, water treatment plants, and other industries. Also, fire safe valves work even in fire conditions as an essential safety component. Due to their small sizes and low weights, they can be installed in areas with limited available space.
Within the oil and gas industry, wafer check valves are utilized in pipelines to manage the flow of oil, gas, and fluid to avoid backflow, which can cause managerial issues and damage to the equipment.
In Water treatment facilities, a check valve, also known as a wafer check valve, assists in controlling the flow of water, primarily through the different stages of water treatment, thus protecting the system from dirt and other foreign bodies as well as improper functioning.
These fire safe valves are also applicable in fire-vulnerable industries such as the oil, gas, and chemical industries.
In chemical processing, the wafer check valves ensure that the proper flow direction prevails for safety and process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these special valves have multiple uses for fluid control and backflow prevention. They do not encourage water hammering, restrict the flow rate, and can fit into a variety of positions. They are available in several sizes and different material types that can suit different industries such as water treatment, chemical, oil, and gas sectors. Overall, using the wafer check valves is an excellent advancement to save space, reduce costs, and control the flow of fluids. Thus, if you want to buy these tools, contact Advance Valves, the premium manufacturer.
